More Than 1,000 Students Graduate Saturday at SUNY Canton

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SUNY Canton will hold its 107th Commencement Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, in the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center.

CANTON, NY (05/04/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Canton will congratulate more than 1,000 students as they complete their degrees at the college's 107th Commencement Ceremony. Commencement will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, in the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center.

"We are immensely proud of our graduates' success," noted SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "We have students who are working either part- or full-time jobs and who are supporting families in addition to completing their college coursework. Many students are the first in their families to attend college. Some are in the military or are veterans of the U.S. armed forces. In every case, we are proud to have been a part of their lives."

Several graduates will be receiving awards and special recognition at Commencement, including:

• Pierre Nzuah, an International Student from Cameroon, Africa, is being recognized with the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence and the David R. Maynard Student Activities Award. Nzuah is graduating with his Bachelor of Technology Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. He has been active in almost every facet of the campus community. He's worked as a peer tutor, a student concierge, a peer mentor and involved with numerous honor societies and student clubs. Shortly before graduating, Nzuah founded the non-profit organization Against All Odds to raise money for educational materials and scholarships for students in his native village. After graduation, he'll return home to Cameroon to deliver the supplies to elementary schools. He'll be continuing his education at Clarkson University next fall.
• Danielle N. St-Denis of Massena will be honored as a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. St-Denis is a two-time graduate of the college who has earned both her associate and bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science Technology. St-Denis is an advanced scuba diver who's shared her love of aquatic exploration with the college by helping facilitate diving lessons on campus. Her love of animals led her to volunteer at the college's animal labs, the Massena Humane Society and the North Country Animal Shelter. She's received six endowed scholarships through the SUNY Canton College Foundation and received several awards for her outstanding GPA.
• Alyssa M. Baker, a Civil and Environmental Technology major from Boonville, has been named the Outstanding Graduate at the bachelor's degree level for the class of 2015. She's served as the president of the college's American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter, otherwise known as the Steel Bridge Team. This year, Baker led her team through a top-three finish in the ASCE Upstate Regional Conference, which secured them a spot in the upcoming national competition. The Syracuse section of the ASCE has selected her twice as a recipient of a scholarship for exceptional academic achievement. She's also received awards for having the highest GPA in her major.
• Christopher A. Dwyer, an Electrical Engineering Technology major from Ogdensburg, was selected as the Outstanding Graduate at the associate degree level for his academic achievements, leadership qualities and volunteer service. Dwyer maintained a 4.0 GPA and served as a role model to fellow students. He worked in the Writing Center and Engineering Lab as a tutor. He has earned numerous awards and scholarships including the Richard W. Miller Academic Excellence Award, the Phoenix Award, the Hahn-Kalberer Endowed Scholarship, and the Richard W. Miller Endowed Scholarship. Following graduation, Dwyer will begin employment at Ansen Corporation in Ogdensburg.

Photos of the award recipient are available. For more information about SUNY Canton's Commencement Ceremony, or the awards given, please contact the SUNY Canton Public Relations Department by phone, (315) 386-7300 or email pr@canton.edu.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses, as well as 10 exclusively online bachelor's degrees. The college's 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

-www.canton.edu-